Paraffin candles had their day in the dark, but soy-wax alternatives are so far past novelty status at this point that they just may eclipse their petroleum-based brethren. And why shouldn’t soy candles be popular? Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they burn longer and smell stronger than traditional tapers. Let there be light!
Vanilla bean? Holiday spice? So pre-millennium. Why not just bring back M.C. Hammer pants? Today’s candle culture insists upon more sophisticated scents. The vibe must be Eden-pure or else darkly exotic, such as the Paddywax Eco 5.5 Ounce Poured Glass Soy Candle ($17), scented with Vetiver (extracted from a rare grass found in India) and Bordeaux Fig. Despite the foreign flavor, the candle—which burns for an impressive 60 hours—was made in the U.S.A.
Dirt Candles ($15) blaze a trail on two counts. Not only are they thoroughly eco-conscious, complete with cotton wicks and recycled packaging, but the company’s 10-oz. jar candle comes in two-dozen intuitively named scents. Get a whiff of Beach Bum, Old Faithful and A Fresh Start. Got an occasion coming up? Consider Bah Humbug or Wedded Bliss (gift wrapping is available). Or melt with Fountain of Youth, Mother Love and Sugar Rush. So sweet.
The Mrs. Meyer’s label has made shiny happy consumers out of many former doubters with an eponymous line of all-natural home cleansers, and candles seem like the logical next step. The good lady’s Clean Day Soy Candle ($51.43 for the set) is bundled as a six-pack, and the empty 7.2-oz. jars are designed to be reused as juice glasses. Go for Geranium–it’s subtler than Lemon Verbena and less ubiquitous than Lavender.
Scented Soy Wax Candles Shed the Best Natural Light on the Situation
Published: October 2, 2009
